Abuja-Kaduna highway will be completed first quarter 2023, says Minister

Minister for State of Housing and Works, Umar El-Yakub says reconstruction work on the first phase of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway would be completed by the first quarter of 2023.

The Minister gave the assurance during the weekend in Kano at the opening of the 43rd International Trade Fair organized by the state Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

The variation in the reconstruction of the 375 kilometers highway that stood at N797 billion has attracted tons of criticism from interest groups who considered the project the most expensive contract awarded by the federal government.

But the Minister argued that the present administration of President Muhammad Buhari should be applauded for huge investment in multiple capital projects cutting across states of the federation.

The Minister of state also disclosed that the government has directed contractors to return to the site on the Kano-Shuwari-Damaturu-Maiduguri highways where three out of the five sections of the corridor had already been completed.

He reminded me that the economic and commercial trade between Nigeria and West African countries would soon pick up following the award of the Kano-Danbatta-Daura-Kugar international dual carriage road network.

El-Yakub however attributed security challenges and road infractions as a result of unsettled matters of compensation to local communities as a major predicament slowing down construction work across the country. He assured the commitment of the government to overcome the challenges.

The Minister applauded the Kano Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture for their commitment and contribution to facilitating government policies on economic growth and development.

On his part, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said Kano is next to Lagos in the area of industrial revolution adding that his administration is committing huge resources to attract investment opportunities.

Represented by Commissioner for Commerce, Barrister Ibrahim Umar, Ganduje assured existing and potential investors and the business community of a secure and peaceful atmosphere conducive to economic growth.

Interim chairman of the KACCIMA, Alh. Umar Faruq Dansuleika urged local and international investors to take full advantage of the limitless business opportunities that abound at the 43rd International Trade Fair to grow their academic investment.

Dansuleika said the theme of the 43rf edition: “Unlocking Export Opportunities through AFCFTA for Nigeria Economic Growth and Development”, was carefully chosen to stimulate investment opportunities through the Non-oil sector.